029: The end is the beginning.


I went to the Tate again last weekend. We treaded violent rains, with me umbrella-less and wet. But I didn't care - I love rain on me. I just don't really like it if I'm cycling and it fogs up my glasses, or even worse, when the water seeps into my socks. But other than that, rain is utter bliss - a gift from God that reminds me that I am alive.

The painting above remains my favourite painting in the Tate. In the months that I have visited, many paintings come and go - but this Japanese artwork has become a permanent fixture. And for good reason, it is utterly simply beautiful.

To me, this painting shows:
a) Things - good or bad - cannot or will not last forever, so cherish them while its still there
b) Endings stay with you, it leaves marks and it is those marks  that shape you into who you are in the future
c) Endings can be beginnings - it all depends on how you look at it. You see, if you could flip that painting upside down - what can it tell you then? That the best is yet to come.

These reasons are why this particular painting fascinates me into my inner core. And what further floors me is the fact that it is so simple. Straight easy brush strokes could evoke such deep emotions.

Speaking of endings/beginnings - this is my last week of my fantabulous adventurous internship. It has been a good 3 months, but unfortunately now its time to say goodbye. I have learnt so much and have met many great and inspiring people in the process that I find myself definitely drawn to this ever-buzzing startup industry.

I had dinner with my boss today and he said, "Ayne, I don't really see you being a doctor. I would think that you would stick to it if its flexible and it pays you well which can allow you to be mostly creative outside work. But you have so much creative energy that I personally think that working in a hospital might just kill you." I laughed. But well said boss, well said.

I don't know what is in store for me in the future - but I am so grateful for what God has given me in the recent past. Alhamdulillah. Next week, I'm off doing a research placement on 3D printing for maxillofacial surgery - and yes, that means I'm not taking a breather before I start term. I emailed the school and I got a reading list, which I have never gotten before. To be honest, its very intimidating taking philosophy - something that is again a first - but that's why I chose it - when better than the present eh?

To new beginnings :)
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22:42

028: Taking the Right Path


Its Ramadan. Well, almost the end of. And I am not ready to say goodbye just yet. I have learnt alot about myself, my values and my beliefs this month and I just wish its stay was just a bit longer. Of late, I have had great opportunities given to me, and although I am very humbled and thankful for them, it has made me make some really tough decisions.

"It is when you are really tested, will you know how much your values mean to you."

And especially now, can I really vouch for that. However inviting the prospect of an opportunity might be, if it infringes on your values - I don't think it is ever worth it despite many people having sacrificed theirs before you. Like the picture, the road that most people take might not be the best one. And I would like to think that the poem by Robert Frost rings true for me, especially now:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

May I always have the strength to be steadfast in my values and beliefs. Till the day I die.  Ameen.
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14:45
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